ELMSFORD, NY -- Barrie House Coffee Co., a roaster and supplier based here, said it is sponsoring the costs of 2,500 sacks of organic fertilizer to strengthen organic coffee production of all Guaya'b cooperative members in Jacaltenango, Guatemala.

The more than 300 Guaya'b cooperative farms are reportedly facing ongoing challenges fighting rust leaf diseases and increased fertilizer and fungicide costs. They are also dealing with construction costs for soil conservation, making it difficult for farmers to secure financing and sustain profit margins, according to Barrie House.

"It's important and worthwhile investing in cooperative members who produce quality coffee, and seek continued sustainability of their product," Barrie House chief executive David Goldstein said. "We buy Guaya'b Guatemalan green coffee and roast and sell the coffee directly to customers."

Goldstein added that the coffee is its highest-certified product, meeting organic, Fair Trade and Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center standards. "Our sponsorship helps to encourage future production of quality crops from these producers, whom we admire," he said.

The project encourages practices of composting and mulching residues from processing and pruning for incorporation as organic matter into the soil, boosting productivity and sequestering carbon.

In 2013, Barrie House Coffee Co. began selling its own line of recyclable single-serve coffee and tea capsules to meet its exacting brewing standards and environmental concerns. | SEE STORY